Federal Government of Nigeria Teams Up with United States for Mining Development
The Federal Government of Nigeria is collaborating with the Government of the United States to explore strategic partnership opportunities in the field of mining development. This collaborative effort was highlighted by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Mr. Dele Alake, who emphasized the United States’ status as Nigeria’s longstanding ally and strategic partner in the development of the nation’s mining sector.
The Minister expressed his appreciation for the United States’ commitment to fostering cooperation with Nigeria across various sectors of the economy. He underscored the importance of the smooth bilateral relations between both countries and the potential benefits it holds for the mining industry.
During a meeting in Abuja with the Charge d’Affairs of the US Embassy, David Greene, Alake reflected on a productive engagement with the US Assistant Secretary of State for Energy Resources, Geoffrey Pyatt, at the Mines and Money Conference in London. He emphasised the urgency to diversify Nigeria’s economy from its dependence on oil, aligning with global efforts to reduce emissions and positioning the nation’s mining sector on the global map. Alake also highlighted Nigeria’s possession of critical minerals that are in high demand globally.
The Minister expressed his enthusiasm for partnering with the US to attract investments in the mining value chain, increase access to technology for mineral extraction and processing, and bolster security in mining areas.
On the US side, Ambassador Greene commended Nigeria’s renewed interest in solid minerals, highlighting the sector’s potential to rival the contribution of oil to the nation’s economy. He also acknowledged the longstanding cultural ties and cooperation between Nigeria and the United States in various fields such as security and agriculture. Greene expressed the United States’ interest in collaborating to invest in mineral extraction and processing, offering training and knowledge transfer to security agencies to enhance the security of mining environments.
This strategic partnership between Nigeria and the United States holds significant promise for the development and growth of Nigeria’s mining sector. By leveraging the expertise and resources of both nations, there is potential to enhance the extraction, processing, and security of minerals in Nigeria, paving the way for a more diversified and sustainable economy.
As the Federal Government of Nigeria and the United States continue to explore areas of collaboration in mining development, it is anticipated that this partnership will yield tangible benefits for both nations and contribute to the advancement of the global mining industry.
